7 Missouri Counties Where Mountain Lions Are Seen Most

Mountain lions are a controversial topic in Missouri. The state officials seem to downplay the sightings, yet residents swear they're seeing these big cats frequently. There is data that shows the 7 counties in Missouri where mountain lion sightings have happened that have been confirmed.

The definitive source for mountain lion sightings in the state is the Missouri Department of Conservation. They have a comprehensive list of that, at the moment, encompasses 133 Missouri mountain lion sightings that they have professionally confirmed to be real. Here are the counties that have seen these big cats appear more than others.

How does the Missouri Department of Conservation confirm a mountain lion sighting?

The Missouri Department of Conservation has an online portal where you can submit a mountain lion sighting. Be aware that they have strict criteria for what a confirmed mountain lion sighting is. Here are their exact words:

"MDC only conducts field investigations for reports that involve human safety or where there is substantial physical evidence — livestock damage or wildlife kill, scat or hair directly linked to a sighting, or confirmed tracks."

They go on to say that if you see what you believe are mountain lion tracks, take a picture and then cover the tracks with a bucket. You then need to send photos along with any other evidence you have to them for investigation. Plaster casts of potential mountain lion tracks are also accepted.